Butler Preview Capsule

Oct 31, 2017 - 3:57 PM Butler Last season: 25-9; lost to North Carolina in NCAA Tournament regional semifinals Nickname: Bulldogs. Coach: LaVall Jordan. Conference: Big East. Who's gone: F Andrew Chrabascz, G Avery Woodson, G Tyler Lewis. Who's back: F Kelan Martin. After spending part of last season coming off the bench, Butler's top scorer (16.0 points) will become a full-fledged starter this season — and one of the team's leaders. G Kamar Baldwin made a huge impression as a freshman after cracking the starting lineup. Look for the stronger sophomore to improve on his averages of 10.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in what could be a breakthrough season. F Tyler Wideman. The 6-foot-8 senior has been one of the team's most consistent rebounders and his final college season could prove to be his best yet. He averaged 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds last season. Who's new: G Paul Jorgensen. The former George Washington player could be next in a long line of transfers who have had an immediate impact in the Bulldogs' backcourt. He won't beat out Baldwin, but he could help solidify a young backcourt that needs experienced hands. The Skinny: Butler may not be the same without Chrabascz and Lewis. But this seems to be the story almost every season, and the Bulldogs usually prove they can overcome the low preseason expectations. Don't be surprised if it happens again. Jordan begins his first season at his alma mater with plenty of talent, enough experience and a realistic shot of taking Butler to a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. ___ For more AP college basketball coverage: http://collegebasketball.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25 .